The Recent Forbes list of the Top 15 Richest Musicians in Africa for 2024 highlights not just the wealth of artists, but also points to bigger trends in the music scene across Africa. These artists are making serious money, and it’s worth looking into why. How are they using their fame and music to get rich? And does this focus on money affect the true spirit of African music? Let’s dive into these questions and think about what it all means for the future of music in Africa.
The Top 15 Richest Musicians in Africa 2024 (Forbes)
1. Youssou N’Dour
Net Worth: $145 million
Source of Income: Music, business ventures, political career
Youssou N’Dour is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, and businessman. He started his music career in the early 1970s with the Etoile de Dakar band and later gained international fame with hits like “7 Seconds” featuring Neneh Cherry. N’Dour has also ventured into politics and owns a media group, which includes radio and television stations.
2. Akon
Net Worth: $80 million
Source of Income: Music, business ventures, investments
Akon, born Aliaune Thiam, is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and producer. He rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like “Locked Up” and “Smack That.” Beyond music, Akon has invested in various business ventures, including a solar energy company and a cryptocurrency project, Akoin.
3. Black Coffee
Net Worth: $60 million
Source of Income: DJing, music production, endorsements
Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, is a South African DJ and music producer. He began his career in the mid-1990s and gained international recognition for his deep house music. Black Coffee has collaborated with global artists and secured lucrative endorsement deals, making him one of Africa’s wealthiest musicians.
4. Wizkid
Net Worth: $30 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, business ventures
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He started his music career in 2009 and gained widespread recognition with his hit single “Holla at Your Boy.” Wizkid has collaborated with international stars and has numerous endorsement deals with major brands, contributing to his wealth.
5. Davido
Net Worth: $28 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, business ventures
Davido, born David Adeleke, is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He started his career in 2011 with the release of his debut album “Omo Baba Olowo.” Davido has numerous hit songs, collaborations with international artists, and endorsement deals that have significantly boosted his net worth.
6. Don Jazzy
Net Worth: $25 million
Source of Income: Music production, business ventures, endorsements
Don Jazzy, born Michael Collins Ajereh, is a Nigerian record producer, singer, and entrepreneur. He co-founded Mo’Hits Records and later established Mavin Records, one of Nigeria’s leading record labels. Don Jazzy’s production skills and business acumen have made him one of Africa’s richest musicians.
7. Burna Boy
Net Worth: $20 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, tours
Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He began his music career in 2010 and gained international fame with his album “African Giant.” Burna Boy’s success in music, along with endorsement deals and international tours, has contributed to his substantial wealth.
8. 2Baba (2Face Idibia)
Net Worth: $18 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, real estate
2Baba, formerly known as 2Face Idibia, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He started his career in the late 1990s with the group Plantashun Boiz and later pursued a successful solo career. 2Baba’s music, endorsements, and real estate investments have made him one of Africa’s wealthiest musicians.
9. Olamide
Net Worth: $16 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, record label
Olamide Adedeji, known professionally as Olamide, is a Nigerian rapper and singer. He began his career in 2010 with the release of his debut album “Rapsodi.” Olamide has built his wealth through music sales, endorsements, and his record label, YBNL Nation.
10. Diamond Platnumz
Net Worth: $15 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, business ventures
Diamond Platnumz, born Naseeb Abdul Juma, is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter. He started his music career in 2009 and gained fame with his hit single “Number One.” Diamond Platnumz’s music success, endorsements, and business ventures, including a record label and TV station, have contributed to his wealth.
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11. Sarkodie
Net Worth: $14 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, business ventures
Sarkodie, born Michael Owusu Addo, is a Ghanaian rapper and entrepreneur. He began his music career in 2007 and has since become one of Africa’s most successful hip-hop artists. Sarkodie’s wealth comes from music sales, endorsements, and his clothing line.
12. Tiwa Savage
Net Worth: $12 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, business ventures
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She began her music career in 2010 and has released numerous hit songs. Tiwa Savage’s success in music, along with endorsement deals and business ventures, has made her one of Africa’s richest female musicians.
13. Fally Ipupa
Net Worth: $10 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, tours
Fally Ipupa is a Congolese singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He started his music career in the early 2000s and gained international fame with his unique blend of Congolese rumba and soukous. Fally Ipupa’s music success, endorsements, and international tours have significantly contributed to his net worth.
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14. Koffi Olomidé
Net Worth: $9 million
Source of Income: Music, business ventures, endorsements
Koffi Olomidé is a Congolese soukous singer, dancer, and producer. He began his career in the 1970s and has released numerous albums. Koffi’s wealth comes from his successful music career, business ventures, and endorsements. He remains a prominent figure in African music.
15. D’banj
Net Worth: $8 million
Source of Income: Music, endorsements, business ventures
D’banj, born Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He started his music career in the early 2000s and gained fame with his hit song “Oliver Twist.” D’banj’s wealth is derived from his music, endorsements, and various business ventures.
Conclusion
The Forbes 2024 list of the Top 15 Richest Musicians in Africa does more than just reveal who’s making the most money. It highlights how important these artists are to both the culture and economy of the continent. These musicians are leading the way in the evolving African music scene, which is gaining more recognition worldwide. Understanding this shift in wealth and cultural production in Africa is crucial. Keep visiting The Jeep Diva to keep yourself updated with the latest news and your favorite celebs!
Fahmea Shorok is a well-traveled writer who focuses on entertainment journalism. Her work reflects her journeys and showcases her flexible writing style. She explores local art scenes wherever she goes, giving her readers a close look at the entertainment found around the world in theaters, movies, and art galleries.